Articles
Media Stories about Bolivia from The Democracy Center
Bolivia Country Profile:
Pacific News Service article by Jim Shultz (Dec. 17, 2004): Five years after water privatization raised water rates and sparked deadly riots in Cochabamba, Bolivia, another water war is brewing in in the country, in a city to the north.
Another Water Revolt Begins in Bolivia:
Pacific News Service article by Jim Shultz (Dec. 17, 2004): Five years after water privatization raised water rates and sparked deadly riots in Cochabamba, Bolivia, another water war is brewing in in the country, in a city to the north.
Behind Bolivia's Gas War
Pacific News Service article by Jim Shultz (Oct. 17, 2003): To Bolivians marching in the streets, "free" trade of natural gas or other resources from their impoverished country to California is just another name for theft.
Bloody Chaos over California Gas Deal
An opinion column in the Sacramento Bee showing the link between California and the Bolivian gas revolt in October 2003.
Bechtel Vs. Bolivia - Time to Open Up Secret Trade Courts
Pacific News Service article by Jim Shultz (Nov. 08, 2002): Two years ago, rioters protesting increased water rates forced a U.S. company in Bolivia to pack its bags and leave. Now, in a harbinger of the loss of local control through globalization, the corporation is striking back in secret proceedings.
Bolivia's 'Texan' President Does U.S. Bidding
Pacific News Service article by Jim Shultz (March 20, 2002): High on the agenda at President Bush's meeting with Andean presidents will be free-market and drug policies, just the problems looming larger every day for Bolivia's boyish-looking new technocrat president, Jorge Quiroga. Also being charged with serious rights abuses, Quiroga's administration is breeding resentment where hope had reigned.
Leasing the Rain
The site for the July 2002 PBS film on the Cochabamba water revolt. For the transcript of the entire program click here.
Bechtel Puts Squeeze on Bolivia's Poor
Pacific News Service article by Jim Shultz (Dec. 19, 2001): Two years ago, Bolivians rioted when a subsidiary of corporate giant Bechtel tripled water rates in the country's third-largest city. Now, Bechtel is suing the Bolivian government for $25 million in damages and lost future profits.
Paying the Price of Privatization -- A Bolivian Town Goes to War Over Water
Pacific News Service article by Jim Shultz (Feb. 08, 2000): The doctrine of privatization moves so swiftly across the underdeveloped world that there is rarely a chance to see what is actually going on.